As large, perennial vines with highly heterozygous genomes and a long generation time, grapevine has inherent limitations that make rapid advances in trait genetic study and improvement challenging. In spite of these biological complexities, impressive progress in genetic research has been made in last several years by use of various genomics tools. In this presentation, I will briefly introduce the trait genetics and improvement program in the USDA-ARS Grape Genetics Research Unit in Geneva and then discuss our recent progresses in developing vine architecture and root-knot nematode resistance traits and investigating molecular mechanisms of scion and rootstock interactions.